Perched on a bar stool in the bustling offices of Israel365, his signature black Fedora on his head, Yair Levi, the soulful singer whose melodies have touched hearts worldwide, leaned in. The war against Hamas has taken its toll on Levi, he’s been in and out of Gaza fighting for Israel since October 7th. But somehow, it has also magnified the impact of Yair’s music, uniting people through prayer and song.
“There’s something profoundly moving,” Yair began, “about seeing people from all walks of life—Jewish, Christian, secular—coming together to sing in Hebrew. It’s a language of ancient prayers, and it has a way of bringing people closer, especially now.”
Yair’s journey as a musician has always been deeply intertwined with his faith. Growing up in Israel, his family’s love for music was ever-present, shaping his identity and informing his art. But it wasn’t just Israeli music that influenced him. “Bob Marley had a huge impact on me,” Yair admitted with a chuckle. “Even though our genres are very different, the way he used music to convey his message of faith and unity inspired me.”
As Yair spoke, it was clear that his music wasn’t just about his personal performance; it is a form of collective prayer. “When I write songs, I draw inspiration from scripture. My concerts feel like communal worship rather than just shows. It’s about creating a space for people to connect with God and each other.”
One of his most poignant songs, “Refa Na,” is a testament to this. The song, based on a short but powerful prayer from the Bible, has become an anthem of healing. Yair reflected on its creation, “It’s the shortest prayer in the Bible, uttered by Moses when his sister was sick. It’s a piercing cry from the heart, making it so powerful. Sometimes, we don’t need elaborate words; we just need to shout out to God.”
During our conversation, Yair shared stories of how his music had become even more impactful during the war. “People from all over the world send me videos of themselves singing my prayers in Hebrew. It’s incredibly moving. It’s not about me; it’s about the power of these ancient words to bring people together.”
Yair’s voice grew softer as he talked about a particularly special moment. “We are attaching a video of me praying from the prayer book—it’s a deeply personal prayer. The power of prayer can be simple as long as it comes from the heart. The Stand By Me Prayer Book is filled with prayers that offer comfort and inspiration. It’s about taking the power of worship into your home.”
The Stand By Me Prayer Book is more than just a collection of prayers; it’s a bridge connecting people through shared faith and hope. The prayer for healing and other heartfelt prayers make it a powerful tool for personal and communal worship. “There’s something transformative about praying together,” Yair said. “It amplifies our individual voices into a chorus that reaches higher.”
His recent trip to Nashville Tennessee highlighted this connection. “From the first chord of the song, Blessed, everyone started singing with me. It was like we were all praying together, sending our prayers to Israel. It’s moments like these that make me realize the true purpose of my music.”
Yair’s dedication to his craft and his faith shine through in every note he sings. His music is a beacon of hope, reminding us of the power of prayer and the strength we find in unity. As our conversation drew to a close, he shared his personal connection to prayer. “These days, I find myself praying for peace. Whenever I hear the word peace in my daily prayers, I feel deeply emotional. It’s what we need most in these times.”
Sitting there, talking with Yair, it was impossible not to be moved by his words and his unwavering belief in the healing power of music and prayer. His journey is a testament to the profound impact that faith, when intertwined with art, can have on the world.
So, as you listen to his songs or flip through the pages of your prayer book, let Yair Levi’s voice guide you. Take inspiration from his prayers and his journey and bring the power of prayer into your own home. Let his music remind you of our shared humanity and the divine melody that connects us all.
